A faulty floor mat can prompt millions of recalled cars, but a history of leaks, a failed Mark I design, and a nuclear catastrophe aren't enough to stop the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from keeping New Jersey's aging nuclear fleet open for business.

Last week, it approved Hope Creek, the fourth of our state's nuclear reactors to stay open for 20 years longer than it was built for, and Gov. Chris Christie is paving the way for a fifth plant to be built.

This "safe enough for now" attitude is irresponsible in light of the nuclear meltdown in Japan, recent investigations into the NRC and the nuclear industry, and a history of safety violations. There are lessons to be learned from Japan, but New Jersey is moving full speed ahead on nuclear without doing a thorough, independent review of each of our plants.

Gov. Christie should rethink his eagerness for more nuclear and get tough on our existing plants. I'm one of the 7.8 million people in New Jersey who lives within 50 miles of a nuclear plant, I'm thankful I don't live any closer.

Jen Kim

NJPIRG Advocate

Trenton

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